3 minute read

Airbus opens new base in Derby

Airbus is expanding its UK footprint with the launch of a new base in Derby.

Airbus contributes significantly to the UK economy, spending more than £5 billion every year with UK suppliers. Its UK supply chain comprises of more than 4,000 companies, ranging from large primes such as Rolls-Royce and GKN to hundreds of SMEs.

The strategic location of the iHub, close to the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace in Derby, and the facilities available there will enable Airbus to expand the work of its Procurement Operations Propulsion (POPR) team.

The Derby team will be working with all the current Rolls-Royce engine programmes, including the XWB-84/97 for the A350-900/-1000, T700 for the A330ceo, T900 for the A380 and T7000 for the A330neo.

The Airbus team in Derby will be working with all the current Rolls-Royce engine programmes / Picture: iHub Derby

The company, which has an impressive global presence, employing 15,000 people in the UK alone, has taken two facilities totalling 1,500ft 2 at Connect Derby’s iHub innovation centre, the flagship building on Infinity Park.

The iHub, which has Enterprise Zone status, provides quality, flexible workspace for businesses looking to develop their role in the transport engineering and hi-tech sectors. As well as 18 traditional office workspaces, it features 14 ground floor workshops for businesses seeking a more hybrid working environment.

An exciting addition to the facilities at the iHub is the ‘iLab’, which provides a local facility to carry out the design, prototyping and testing of new range of products and services. It features an additive manufacturing cell, including vacuum casting machine, digital microscope, 3D printers and 3D AutoCAD software. A virtual reality suite includes Oculus Rift headset.

Since its launch in Autumn 2016, the £12m iHub has attracted a diverse range of businesses from across the rail, aerospace and automotive supply industries. Occupancy levels have exceeded all expectations, with local, regional and national companies taking advantage of the building’s strategic location on Infinity Park, the new 100-acre manufacturing focused commercial and technology site, strategically located between Sinfin and Chellaston, to the south of the city.

As well as being situated close to Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, the iHub is within 15 minutes of OEMs including Bombardier, Toyota and JCB, with direct links to the A50 and M1. The building also offers a multi-purpose ‘heart space’ area, which is establishing a reputation as a leading regional conference and event venue.

Dimitrios Paschos, Head of Airbus Office, Derby, said: “We chose the iHub because of its high construction and both its safety and security standards, as well its proximity to the main Rolls-Royce facilities in Derby.

“The quality of accommodation here is first class and we look forward to working alongside the Connect Derby team in the coming months.”

Councillor Martin Rawson, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and the economy, added: “The arrival of Airbus is a massive coup for the iHub, and just the right kind of tenant for the building. It is yet another example of a developing business taking advantage of the unique opportunity to relocate to accommodation in a hi-tech, manufacturing focused innovation technology park.

“The iHub continues to exceed its targets, both in terms of revenues and the calibre of tenants, which demonstrates that the building is exactly what the Derby economy needs. I am extremely proud of the confidence shown by the Council’s Labour administration to support the development of the iHub and Connect Derby. I hope the team enjoy their new space and wish them well in Derby.”

The development has received funding from the Regional Growth Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as well as Derby City Council and the University of Derby.